Join The Team
Current Opportunities
We are currently recruiting for the following positions:
Senior Veterinary Surgeon – Back-Up Role
A four-day-week senior position combining rewarding first-opinion practice, clinical leadership and providing support out-of-hours back-up.
Senior Veterinary Surgeon – GP and On-Call Role
An exciting opportunity for an experienced veterinary surgeon seeking a varied caseload, on-call responsibility and the chance to mentor and support colleagues.
Permanent Part-Time Hospital Veterinary Surgeon
A hospital-based role focused on inpatient care, diagnostic imaging, clinical standards and supporting the development of graduate vets.
Please see the full adverts for these roles below.
Interested? For more information, please contact Julia Collins at 01656 653918. To apply, send your CV and a covering letter to juliacollins@shepherdsthevets.co.uk.
About Shepherds the Vets
We are an independent, vet-owned, RCVS-accredited small animal hospital with branches in Bridgend, Pontyclun, Port Talbot and Porthcawl.
The practice is led by Rachel Davies, Surgical Director and Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Surgery, and Nicola Rolph, Medical Director and Advanced Practitioner in Feline Medicine. As an independent practice, we combine the support and facilities of a busy hospital with the close-knit culture and clinical freedom that comes from being vet-owned.
Our purpose-built hospital in Bridgend features separate cat, dog and exotic wards, digital radiography, doppler ultrasound, dental radiography, a comprehensive in-house laboratory including SediVue, and endoscopy equipment. We provide our own out-of-hours service, ensuring continuity of care for hospitalised patients and emergency cases.
Located between Cardiff and Swansea, Bridgend offers excellent transport links via the M4 and easy access to the South Wales coastline, countryside and Brecon Beacons National Park.
Why Join Us?
- Independent, vet-owned practice with clinical freedom and no corporate targets
- Modern RCVS-accredited hospital with excellent facilities and equipment
- Varied and rewarding caseload, including complex medical, surgical and emergency cases
- Dedicated out-of-hours service providing continuity of patient care
- Supportive clinical environment with approachable senior leadership
- Strong focus on mentorship, development and shared learning
- Approved training practice for EMS, VetGDP and veterinary nursing students
- Encouragement and support for postgraduate qualifications and Advanced Practitioner pathways
- Collaborative team culture where patient care always comes first
Senior Veterinary Surgeon – Back-Up Role
A four-day-week senior role combining rewarding first-opinion work, clinical leadership and supportive out-of-hours back-up.
Join Shepherds the Vets, our independent, vet-owned RCVS-accredited small animal hospital in Bridgend. We are seeking an experienced vet who enjoys clinical variety, mentoring colleagues and providing calm support with complex cases.
- Permanent four-day week: four eight-hour shifts
- Second on call 1 in 4 weeks, usually supporting from home by phone
- 1 in 4 weekend mornings caring for hospital inpatients
- Salary £60,000–£75,000, depending on experience and clinical confidence
- Protected breaks, scheduled administration time and a varied GP caseload
Who are we looking for?
An experienced veterinary surgeon who communicates clearly, remains calm under pressure and is confident in emergency medicine and surgery. You will enjoy high-quality first-opinion practice, teamwork, mentoring and maintaining excellent clinical standards.
The Role
Enjoy a balanced mix of consulting, inpatient care, operating and Cats Protection work, with a one-hour lunch break and scheduled phone and administration time on consulting days. You will mentor developing vets through practical guidance and case discussion, with scope to shape the role around your interests while supporting the wider team.
Out-of-hours back-up
As second on call 1 in 4 weeks, you will usually support the first on-call vet from home by phone, attending when needed for complex cases. An RVN and SVN are on site 24/7. You must live within 30 minutes’ travelling time of the hospital.
Package
38 days’ holiday (six weeks plus bank holidays); five CPD days and a £1,500 annual allowance; enhanced CPD support for Advanced Practitioners; and RCVS, VDS and one additional professional membership paid.
Senior Veterinary Surgeon – GP and On-Call Role
- Salary £40,000–£60,000, depending on experience and clinical confidence
- Varied caseload across consulting, inpatient care and surgery
- Seven nights on call per rota, followed by seven days’ recovery
- Three weekend mornings across an 11-week rota
- Opportunities to advise colleagues, mentor developing vets and support practical training
- RVN and SVN support on site 24/7 during on-call periods
- Independent, vet-owned and RCVS-accredited hospital
The Role
This is a senior role that combines a varied GP caseload with some on-call responsibility. We’re looking for an experienced vet who enjoys high-quality clinical work, offers practical support to colleagues and helps developing vets grow in skill and confidence.
This position offers a broad caseload alongside a defined first on-call commitment. You will consult, operate and care for inpatients, while acting as a trusted source of clinical advice for the wider team.
Working pattern and on call
The commitment is seven nights on call per rota, followed by seven days’ recovery, plus two weekend mornings across an 11-week rota. An RVN and SVN are on site 24/7 during these periods, with senior back-up available for complex cases or additional support. The remainder of the role centres on a 5-day week of consulting, inpatient care and surgery, with scope to develop your clinical interests.
Package
You will receive 33 days’ holiday including bank holidays, with the option to purchase five additional days; five CPD days and a £1,500 CPD allowance, with enhanced support available for Advanced Practitioners; and payment of your RCVS, VDS and one additional professional membership.
Permanent Part-Time Hospital Veterinary Surgeon
- Location: Bridgend, South Wales
- Salary £50,000–£60,000 FTE
- Hours: 3 or 4 fixed days per week (no OOH)
- Practice: Independent, RCVS-accredited small animal hospital and emergency service clinic
Who we are looking for
An experienced clinician who is confident managing inpatients and ECC cases, making decisions and using diagnostic tools. Who is motivated to maintain high standards and promote best practice. Enjoys coaching and training and works collaboratively with the wider hospital team. Vet GDP Adviser experience is desirable. At least 4 years’ UK clinical experience. Postgraduate qualifications or AP status in medicine, ECC, diagnostic imaging or cardiology would be an advantage.
The Role
You will assess new admissions, create and review treatment plans, communicate clearly with colleagues and owners, and ensure excellent continuity of care for hospitalised patients. You will also oversee outpatient diagnostic procedures. This role would suit a confident clinician who enjoys clinical leadership, maintaining high standards and developing others.
Package
Salary of £50,000–£60,000 FTE, reviewed annually and pro rata for part-time hours.
£1,500 and 5 CPD days FTE (£2,000 and 7 days for APs).
RCVS, VDS and membership fees covered.
5 weeks’ holiday.
50% staff discount.
